Café Java opened its third Austin-area location Jan. 12 near the Austin-Cedar Park border, according to a representative from the location. This is the first new Café Java location in 20 years, according to previous Community Impact reporting. 

What they offer: Café Java has a selection of coffees, teas and juices and a range of breakfast and lunch offerings including pancakes, breakfast tacos, soup and salads. Specialty coffees include the “Butter Beer,” which features espresso, caramel and English toffee syrup, half and half, whipped cream, a caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. 

One more thing: The new location announced on Facebook that the restaurant is now offering dine in and take out orders and will be open 7 a.m.-2:30p.m. daily. 

• 12129 RM 620, Ste. 120, Austin

The Southwest Williamson County Regional Park in Leander will receive artificial turf upgrades for four fields through a sponsorship with Lonestar Soccer Club. Williamson County commissioners approved the turf project and sponsorship agreement at a Jan. 6 meeting.

About the project: The soccer fields will be converted from natural grass to artificial turf to help reduce impacts from drought and wear, and allow for longer playing time, Precinct 3 Commissioner Valerie Covey said at the meeting.

Utilizing artificial turf will eliminate maintenance costs associated with natural grass, Williamson County Parks and Recreation Director TW Dieckmann said at the meeting.

For the $8.9 million project, Lonestar Soccer Club will fund $6.5 million, and the county will pay for the remaining $2.4 million.

Diving deeper: Lonestar Soccer Club’s sponsorship will allow the club to receive priority scheduling, discounted usage rates and naming rights for the four fields. The club will also take ownership of maintenance and replacement of the turf in the future.

Central Texas dentists have been feeling the effects of a nationwide shortage of dental hygienists, facing difficulties filling vacant positions to serve a growing number of patients

Zooming out: A 2019 study by the Texas Department of State Health Services projected that the demand for dental hygienists would outpace supply from 2018 to 2030. In Central Texas, the shortage of dental hygienists was projected to increase by 116.4% from 2018 to 2030, according to the report.

What they're saying: “As the population increases, new patients are coming into practices in Austin,” said Dr. Shailee Gupta, local dentist and member of Capital Area Dental Society. “Without the proper number of hygienists to go with these practices or community centers, there's no way to be able to meet that demand.”

The approach: To help counteract this shortage, Austin Community College opened an expanded dental hygiene clinic at its Eastview Campus this fall, nearly doubling the program’s annual cohort of students from 18 to 34. 

Margarita’s Mexican restaurant in Liberty Hill closed its doors permanently on Jan. 5, according to a Facebook post from the restaurant. The restaurant shared a message thanking customers for their support and the team for their hard work and commitment. 

On the menu: Margarita’s served handmade Mexican cuisine, including quesadillas, tacos, nachos, salad, fajitas and more. 

More details: The Facebook post stated that Time Out Sports Bar will close permanently, effective Jan. 5. 

• Closed Jan. 5
• 10280 W. SH 29, Liberty Hill